I am in the market for a C6. I have some decisions to make. First I am thinking I want a manual transmission, but the auto with the paddle shifters sounds more practical. Any suggestions here. I am thinking 08 and up on model due to improvements in those years versus earlier C6s. Due to budget I am thinking base with some upgrades. I have a lot of research to do. The last time I owned a Corvette was I had a 79 in 1985. Needless to say many things have changed. I am open to any suggestions.

 

The c6 is awesome so you won't be disappointed, but i'm not sure anybody can help with the suggestions you are asking for. Everyone is in a different situation and don't know your situation as far as budget, must have's, where and how you drive to tell you if manual or auto is better...... My budget put me in a 26k mile 3lt 2006 coupe auto because that's what was my best option on availability when i bought.... I would love to have gotten into a 2008 or newer because of the LS3 engine, but my money said cut the **** and get what you can afford..... lol

 

Find what you like within your budget, as far as the auto versus manual drive both and decide that one for yourself. Vette has a lot of options you have to decide which ones are definite wants and others that are in the that would be nice to have category.

 

I moved up from my C5 a little over a year ago with the intention of getting a 20087 or 2009 based on the LS3 engine over the LS2. The difference in the two of us, was I wanted the 6-speed auto, as I was tired of the shifting. I live in a congested area and all of my Corvette's have been manual trannies, so the 6-speed auto was appealing.
I ended up with an07, 3LT with the Nav and Z51 option. The biggest selling point (besides the auto) was the 11,000 mile on it. I looked at an 08 Jetstream Blue and a Machine Silver, one 6-speed manual and the other 6-speed auto. Both had 30K+miles and were base models.
So I agree that the improvements on the '08 and up are very good, I suggest that you find a C6 the meets you needs, as far as options, color, transmission and most importantly your budget. I always say buy the car that has the best option package and the lowest miles that is in your budget. If that means getting an '07 over an '08 so be it. Good luck and once you find the one that fits your needs post up some pictures.

 

It would be difficult to advise you. There is too much information you don't state, and far too many choices out there.

Both posts above are good ones to get you started. But if I were to make one, since you are interested in a C6 and have just joined CF, I'd suggest you stay online everyday and read the various threads on the car. Obviously, some will be dull, some will be offbase, but some will be very interesting to you and apply as well. There is also nothing to prevent you from, and you will benefit by asking questions in relatively recent threads.

And that brings up the last point. If you notice the red band toward the top on this page, in it is the word "search". If you click on it and then click on "advanced search" it will open a search page. On the left top is an open box. Put in the search words, key words of what you want to learn about such as "automatic" "auto" "manual". Then drop down the page and try to select a time period, say, the last six months or one year. Then go over to the right and highlight say, only C6 General and C6 Technical. That will further limit the search which will make it easier for you to read thru, and actually get relevant info.

Good luck and don't expect necessarily to find what you want, at a price you're happy with, within five miles or even 500 miles of where you live. You may have to travel. You may have to ask for two dozen digital pics BEFORE you go. You may have to find a technician to check it out for you. You may have three or four long phone calls. You may have to bring a oneway, or roundtrip ticket with you, depending on how sure you feel (are you feeling lucky today? ). And as far as "test driving" an auto or manual, you may want to try a used car lot, be it a solely-used car dealer, or the used car division of a new car dealer (there are some "private" sellers who don't allow test drives, altho they are relatively few since it is what makes the deal happen in most cases).

 

if it were me, i would wait until the c7 comes out. i truly believe that a lot of guy's with the c6 will be trading them in for the newer vette. this way you can save more money and have lots of great choices in which to choose from. there are those that will disagree with what i'm saying, but take a stroll over to the c7 discussion forum and you'll understand where i'm coming from.

 

Sounds like you are already on the right track. My '08 has been flawless (compared to previous models I owned). Manual vs. auto is strictly a matter of choice. My '08 Callaway is manual but hardly a day passes that I don't wish it were an auto w/paddles. Despite what the purists say, today's auto transmissions are faster and more efficient. Don't feel bad if you find the car you want doesn't have factory NAV...the aftermarket offers far better choices for less $. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

 

Very good points and I am sure there will be a few more then normal C6's on the lots once the C7's roll in. Also as long as the OP is not in a hurry to get into a C6 it is fine. I for one am not the type that spends months looking for just that one particular car. Every Corvette I have ever bought is usually with in a few day to a week of looking. I also wonder if the dealers won't be asking a little bit more for the used C6's once they start showing up on the lots and a lot of buyers are out there trying to either move up a model or two or new buyers that simply cannot afford a new Corvette.. I guess that will come down to the old supply and demand.

 

Even though I am probably still a couple months away from a purchase, unless a great deal comes along. I will still have to drive an auto and a manual to make that decision. I am thinking a base coupe with either 2LT or 3LT. The extras on the 3LT don't mean that much to me, but will take either on a deal. I am not opposed to traveling for the right car. I have done this before on motorcycles and the outcome was good. Still open for any suggestions or ideas. I am 57 years old and will probably own this car the rest of my life.